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t LIBRARY OF OOKGRESS. t 

( 

^UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 



I 0^ 



HYMNS 



or MI 



HOLY HOURS, 



AND OTHER PIECES. 



BY 

ray'^palmbr 






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^^ 



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NEW YORK: 

ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH, 

No. 770 BROADWAY. 

1867. 
V 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, 

By ray palmer, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States 
for the Southern District of New York. 



EDWARD 0. JENKINS, PRINTER, 
20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 



MRS. ANGELINA PALMER GRINNELL, 

THE PLAYMATE OF MT CHILDHOOD, AND THE DISINTERESTED AND 
0ONSTA5{T FRIEND OF MT RIPER TEARS, THESE PAGES 

ARE INSCRIBED, 

AS A SLIGHT EXPRESSION OP THE PROFOUND AFFECTION AND 
GRATITUDE OF HER BROTHER, 

RAY PALMER. 



PREFACE. 



The writer has had such evidence, from many 
sources, that a small volume of hymns, published by him 
some time since, has proved a grateful offering to fellow- 
disciples, not only in his own communion and his own 
country, but also in other branches of the Church of 
Christ and in other lands, that he has been encouraged 
to make this small additional contribution to the 
hymnology of his time. 

Only a part of the following hymns are suitable to be 
sung. The remainder are designed to give expression 
in hymnic form, to the deeper emotions of the devout 
soul in its various moods, experiences and disciplines. 
How necessary it is that hymns intended to be used 
in worship, should be simple and unadorned, should so 
preserve unity of thought and feeling as to seem artless, 
and to be easily apprehended, it is evident from current 
criticism is even now but partly understood. Hymns 
intended chiefly for reading, however, allow a far 



vi PBEFACE. 

greater variety of thought and measure, and may take a 
much wider range. If the following lyrics express truly 
the healthful emotions of one Christian heart, fhey will 
be certain, it is believed, to awaken response in others. 
Should they assist the faith and love of any in finding 
fit utterance before God, the highest wish of the 
author will have been fulfilled. 

The writer feels obliged to add, that if the compilers 
of Manuals for Public Worship shall desire to in- 
troduce any of these hymns into their Collections, he 
cheerfully consents, provided always that the hymns 
be taken exactly as they are. He repeats, even with 
greater emphasis than in the preface to the former 
volume, his protest against the alteration, or abridgment, 
of the hymns of a living author, to adapt them to the 
uses or the taste of others, without his consent. He 
cannot but regard it as a breach, not of courtesy 
alone, but of Christian morality as well. 

R. P. 



conti:nt8. 







PAGE 


I.- 


— Praise to Christ . 


. 9 


II.- 


—The Soul's Cry .... 


11 


III.- 


—The Loye that Stoopeth . 


. 13 


lY.- 


—Midnight Worship 


15 


Y.- 


—Morning Worship . 


. 18 


YI.- 


—Evening Worship 


20 


YH.- 


—The Hour op Joy . 


. 22 


YIII.- 


-De ProfundiS .... 


24 


IX.- 


— Thk Crown . . -. 


. 28 


X.- 


—Burdens 


30 


XI.- 


—A Present God 


. 33 


XII.- 


—The Yision of Christ 


35 


XIII.- 


—The Comforter 


. 37 


XIY.- 


—The Place op Prayer 


40 


XY.- 


—At the Cross .... 


. 43 


XYI.- 


—The Yoice of Christ 


45 


X^'ll.- 


—Submission .... 


. 47 


XYIII.- 


—Alone with Christ . 


49 


XIX.- 


—The Consenting Heart 


. 52 


XX.- 


—The Yictory op Faith 


54 


XXI.- 


—A NOCTURN 


57 



viii CONTENTS. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

PAGE 

I.— The Sea- Side 63 

II. — BuEiAii Hill 68 

III. — ^MouNT Washington 72 

IV. — Misanthropy, and Response . . 77 
V. — Chorus op All Saints . . . .81 

VI. — Thanksgiving 85 

^ni.-THE Sceptic 89 

VIII.— Song— The Wife 91 

IX. — Midsummer Night 94 

X. — The Angel Child 97 

XI.— Song 99 

XII. — The Golden Wedding . . . .101 



puu of mg polg ^ours. 



PRAISE TO CHRIST. 

King of Kings and Lord of Lords.— Kev. xix. 16. 

CHRIST, the Lord of Heaven, to Thee, 
Clothed with all majesty divine, 
Eternal power and glory be, 
Eternal praise of right is thine ! 

Reign, Prince of Life, that once thy brow 
Didst yield to wear the wounding thorn ; 

Reign, throned beside the Father now, 
Adored the Son of God first-born ! 

From angel hosts that round Thee stand. 

With forms more pure than spotless snow. 

From the bright, burning seraph band. 

Let praise in loftiest numbers flow ! 

(9) 



1 HYMNS OF MY EOL Y HO UBS. 

To Thee, the Lamb, our mortal songs, 
Born of deep, fervent love shall rise ; 

All honor to thy name belongs, 

Our lips would sound it to the skies. 

Jesus ! — all earth shall speak the word ; 

Jesus ! — all heaven resound it still ; 
Immanuel, Savior, Conqueror, Lord, 

Thy praise the Universe shall fill. 



HTMNS OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 1 1 



THE SOUL'S CRT. 

I cry tmto Thee daily.— Psalm lxxxvi. 3. 







^H, ever from the deeps 
Within my soul, oft as I muse alone, 
Comes forth a voice that pleads in tender tone ; 
As when one long unblest 
Sighs ever after rest ; 
Or as the wind perpetual murmuring keeps. 

I hear it when the day 

Fades o'er the hills, or 'cross the shimmering sea ; 

In the soft twilight, it is wont to be, 
Without my wish or will, 
While all is hushed and still. 

Like a sad plaintive cry heard far away. 

Not even the noisy crowd, 
That like some mighty torrent rushing down 
Sweeps clamoring on, this cry of want can drown ; 



1 2 HYMN'S OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 



But ever in my heart 
Afresh the echoes start ; 
I hear them still amidst the tumult loud. 



Each waking morn anew 
The sense of many a need returns again ; 
I feel myself a child, helpless as when 

I watched my mother's eye, 

As the slow hours went by, 
And from her glance my being took its hue. 

I cannot shape my way 
Where nameless perils ever may betide, 
O'er slippery steeps whereon my feet may slide ; 

Some mighty hand I crave 

To hold and help and save. 
And guide me ever when my steps would stray. 

There is but One, I know, 
That all my hourly, endless wants can meet ; 
Can shield from harm, recall my wandering feet ; 

My, God thy hand can feed. 

And day by day can lead 
Where the sweet streams of peace and safety flow. 



HTMNS OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. \ 3 



THE LOYE THAT STOOPETH. 

What is man, that Thou art mindfiil of him ?— Psalm vm. 4. 

MY God, though far above my thought 
The wonders of thy being rise ; 
Though earth itself appears but naught, 

And all the orbs in yonder skies 
Seem trifles while I think of Thee, 
Yet Thou dost deign to visit me ! 

Lord, what is man ? Ah, not to him 
Is due thy coming down to dwell ; 

Thou whose high praise the seraphim 
Touch their entrancing lyres to tell ; 

Thou comest for no worth of mine, 

'Tis all of grace and love divine ! 

And I may speak, as speaks a child 

That gazes on a father^s face 
Suffused with love, serenely mild, 



14 EYMN8 OF MT EOL Y HO UBS. 

And fair with tenderness and grace ; 
May lift my eyes without a fear, 
And know that, speaking, Thou wilt hear. 

Thou wouldst not that my needy soul, 
For what might ease its inward pain, 

From clime to clime, from pole to pole, 
O'er the wide world should seek in vain ; 

Should burn with deep, intense desires. 

As one consumed with hidden fires. 

Thou bidst me come my thirst to slake 
At the full fountains of thy love ; 

And Thou my soul dost fill and make 
Content and glad like those above ; 

For with thy gifts enriched and blest, 

My search is o'er, and found my rest. 



HYMNS OF MT HOL Y HO UBS. 15 



MIDNIGHT WORSHIP. 

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee.— Psalm cxix. 62. 



Ci f\ UNSLEEPING ! ever keeping 
V7 Faithful watch about my bed, 

O'er me bending, and defending 
From all ill my weary head ; 

Now each restless thought composing, 

And in peace these eyelids closing, 
Father, keep my soul," I said. 

Thou didst hear me. Thou art near me, 

"Waking at this midnight hour ; 
Changing never, loving ever, 

Thou art my defence, my tower ; 
Thoughts of Thee dispel all sadness. 
Thoughts of Thee give strength and gladness, 

And I rest upon thy power. 



16 ETMN8 OF MY HOLT HOURS. 

Purely glowing, stars are throwing 
Glad rays through the solemn night, 

Ever gleaming, as if beaming, 
With thy glory on my sight ; 

By their order and their beauty, 

Thou dost teach me love and duty, 
Bid me shine with virtue's light. 

Praises bringing, upward springing, 
Mounts my quickened soul to Thee ; 

Hope fulfilling, passion stilling. 
Thou dost come, my God, to me ! 

And in holy, sweet communing. 

All my noblest powers attuning, 
Thou dost teach me thine to be. 

Nightly waking, from me shaking, 
Slumbers soft, I will arise ; 

Bowing lowly, Most Holy, 
I will lift to Thee mine eyes ; 

So shall speed my warm devotion, 

Winged by tender, pure emotion. 
Upward tlirough the midnight skies 



ETMN8 OF MY EOL Y HO UBS. 1 T 

Ever living, ever giving 

Life and joy to all thine own ; 
Interceding, as once bleeding, 

Priest and Lamb before the throne ; 
Thou my prayer presentest ever, 
Thou my praise refusest never, 

Christ, I trust in Thee alone ! 

So while praying, calmly saying 
" Father, bless me from above I" 

So believing and receiving 

Gifts of grace and smiles of love, 

I again mine eyelids closing. 

And till dawn in peace reposing, 
All thy faithfulness shall prove. 



1 8 HTMN8 OF MY SOL Y HO UES. 



MORKING WORSHIP. 

My "vroice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord.— PsAua V. 3. 

FATHER, while the shades of night 
Fly before the crimson dawn, 
Heavenward speeds my soul her flight, 
Gladdened by the day new born. 

Nature, fresh enrobed and fair. 
Greets me with her kindly smile, 

And I breathe the fragrant air, 
Drinking in thy love the while. 

All thy works are full of Thee ! 

Glows ray heart with living praise ; 
Lowly bends the reverent knee, 

Upward waiting eyes I raise. 

While from garden, field and grove, 

Morning carols wake around. 
Swift my thoughts ascend and rove 

Where eternal songs resound. 



HYMNS OF MY HOL Y HO HR8. \ 9 

With the wide creation's choir, 

My rapt soul would chant her hymn, 

Kindling with the holy fire, 
Of the burning seraphim. 

Light of men. when forth shall break 
Thy full splendor, dimmed so long, 

Earth one hymn of praise shall wake, 
Ages the glad strain prolong. 

Son of God, Redeemer, Lord, 

All thy goodness none can tell ; 
When thy gifts I would recall. 

High as heaven the numbers swell. 

Through all labors of this day. 

Let thy hand sustain me still ; 
Through all perils guard my way, 

Make me strong to do thy will. 

Let my day dawn calm and bright, 

Where no eye forever weeps ; 
Where forever comes no night, 

Where eternal sunshine sleeps. 



20 EYMN8 OF MT EOL T HO UBS. 



EVENING WORSHIP. 

At evening-time it shall be light.— Zech. xiv. 7. 

COME, Jesus, with the coming night, 
Refresh and cheer my weary heart ; 
At evening-time it shall be light. 
If Thou art near, though day depart. 

Welcome this shade that brings release 
From hurrying labor's noise and strife ; 

That calls from restless thought to cease, 
And calms the throbbing pulse of life. 

From tedious toil, from anxious care, 
Dear Lord, I turn again to Thee ; 

Thy presence and thy smile to share, 
Makes every burden light to me. 



HTMN8 OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 21 

With Thee, of all sad thoughts beguiled, 
Peace nestles in my tranquil breast ; 

And like a pleased and happy child, 
In thy kind arms I sink to rest. 

Till night's dark watches all are gone, 
faithful Shepherd, guard my sleep, 

And when yon mountains greet the dawn. 
Give strength my heavenward way to keep. 



22 HTMN8 OF MY EOL T HO UBS. 

THE HOUR OF JOY. 

Thou hast put gladness in my heart.— Psalm iv. 7. 

ALL things to mine eyes are bright ; 
Throbs my heart with deep delight ; 
Birds pour forth delicious notes, 
Fragrance on the still air floats, 
Earth and heaven seem full of gladness, 
And my soul forgets all sadness, 
Glows and quivers with the thrill 
Of the joy that doth it fill. 

Swift-winged thought exults to range, 
Fancy, as with magic change. 
Makes e'en ugliness look fair, 
Finds fresh beauty everywhere ; 
Life itself is one pure pleasure. 
Tasted without mete or measure ; 
Of whatever could make her blest, 
My glad soul seems now possest. 

Upward, upward, strong and free, 
Borne on wings I seem to be ; 



ETMN8 OF MT HOL Y HO JJB8. 23 

Unconfined by earthly bars, 
Soars my spirit to the stars ; 
E'en beyond the starry regions, 
Filled with orbs in countless legions, 
Mounts she with untiring wings. 
Mounts and evermore she sings. 

Whence this ecstasy divine ? 
Why so rapt this soul of mine ? 
my God, with warm desire 
Thou didst set my heart on fire ; 
Then thy love and goodness showing, 
And thy light around me throwing. 
Thou didst give Thyself to me, 
Thou hast made me glad in Thee. 

Thou art of all joy the crown ; 
Thou with joy canst sorrow drown • 
Let me drink forevermore 
At the well-spring running o'er ; 
In thy smile is sadness never, 
In thy smile is gladness ever. 
To thy child, Father, give 
Ever in thy love to live ! 



24 HTMN8 OF MY HOL T HO UBS. ' 



DE PROFUNDIS. 

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord 1— Psalm csxs.. 



I 



N tlie dark days of grief, 
When the dull hours drag wearily 
and slow, 
When from the brimming eyes hot tears do flow, 
Where, where to find relief, 
Shall the bruised spirit go I 

I see the world rush on ; 
Each, passion-stirred, intent to reach his end ; 
All, nerved for life's high prizes to contend. 

Glide by me and are gone ; 

No healing can they lend. 

Voices of mirth I hear ; 
But these chase not the gloom thick brooding o'er, 
Nor calm the billows that about me roar ; 

They jar upon mine ear. 

And wound me but the more. 



HYMNS OF MT MOL Y HO UBS. 25 

I look on Nature^s face, 
The groves, and summer fields, and lawns and 

streams, 
All beautiful as visions seen in dreams ; 

But Nature^s smile and grace 

To mock my anguish seems. 

The silent woods I tread, 
Where aisles invite with oak and beech o'erhung, 
And sweet wild notes by many a bird are sung ; 
The still cool paths I thread, 
But yet my heart is wrung. . 

To friendship's breast I fly ; 
Of its deep tenderness I own the power, 
More gently throbs my brow for one short hour, 

But ere my tears are dry. 

Falls a returning shower. 

Jesus, Thou hast wept ; 
When faithful hearts mourned o'er a brother 
dead : 



26 ETMN8 OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 

For mortal griefs thine own pure tears were 
shed ; 

And ever Thou hast kept 

Kind watch o'er hearts that bled. 



Since Thou art Love Divine, 
And deep compassions in thy bosom glow, 
This heart whose anguish Thou alone canst know, 
Would all to Thee resign, 
And trust Thee though laid low. 

My spirit Thou canst heal ; 
Canst give me patience while I wait for light, 
Bid cheerful day smile on my starless night. 
And peace canst make me feel, 
While yet tears dim my sight. 

On Thee, let me lean ; 
As if on thine own bosom let me weep, 
Till restless sorrow there is lulled to sleep — 

Sleep gentle and serene 

If Thou my slumber keep. 



HYMNS OF MY HOL Y HO UR8. 27 

To joy then shall I wake, 

And, taught new trust, with constant, loving 
heart, 

To Thee shall cling, nor bear again to part, 
Till heaven's bright dawn shall break 
And bring me where Thou art. 



28 HTMN8 OF M Y HOL Y BO UES. 



THE CROWN. 

There is laid up for me a crown.— 2 Tim. iv. 8. 

THE crowns of earth are jewelled dust, 
Or weights, the wearer^s brow to press ; 
But Thou, Christ, dost give the just 
A nobler crown of righteousness. 

That crown, of thine own love the seal, 
On thine a gift of love bestowed, 

Diviner splendors shall reveal 

Than e'er on princely head hath glowed. 

Ten thousand faithful souls and true 

Now wear the crown, that wore thy shame ; 

That many a wasting anguish knew, 
And as through fires to glory came. 

We yet must wage the long drawn strife, 
And oft with prayers our groans ascend j 



HYMN'S OF MY HOL Y EO UB8. 29 

'We battle for immortal life, 

Give strength and courage to the end. 

Then be it ours to hear Thee say, 

When we shall lay our armor down — 

" The faith ye kept 1 Ye won the day ! 
Come, take and wear the matchless crown !" 



30 EYMN8 OF MY EOL T HO UBS, 



BURDENS. 

Cast thy burden upon the Lord.— Psalm lv. 22. 

EYER as I onward go 
Through the mazy round of life, 
Days and years with struggles rife, 
Wearily I tread and slow ; 
Oft my spirit falters, faints. 
Oft breathes out her sad complaints. 

Guilt^s huge burden weighs me down, 

Pressing heavily and sore ; 

Till thy face, dear Lord, no more 
Glows with smiles ; Thou seem'st to frown, 
Though I long thy grace to prove, 
Though I know that Thou art Love ! 

Oft thou chafes t, haggard Care 1 
Wearing, wasting, day by day. 
Thou each rising joy dost slay 



HYMNS OF MY EOL Y HO URS. 3 1 

That my soul would upward bear ; 
Thou dost clog my heavenward flight, 
Spoil my spirit of her might. 

Leaden Grief, thou press est hard. 
When have sped the shafts of fate, 
When my heart bleeds, desolate, 

And by many an arrow scarred ; 

When on sorrow's sea long tost. 

All the lights of hope are lost. 

Dark thou broodest o^er my soul. 
Gloomy Doubt, when hidden lie. 
Locked in awful mystery, 

God's deep counsels, and the scroll 

Sleeps unopened till the time 

When goes forth his word sublime. 

Thou, spectre-loving Fear, 
All too oft hast o'er me flung, 
Terrors that like rocks have hung, 

Sinking every thought of cheer ; 

Till a ship I seemed to be. 

Foundering in the far-off sea. 



32 ETMN8 OF MT HOLY H0UB8. 

Yet I hear a Father's voice : 
" I, Jehovah, am thy strength ; 
All thy burdens bring, at length, 

Cast on me — then go, rejoice ! 

Make thy days with songs resound, 

Rest in holy peace profound !" 

Yes, my God ; away — away 
Haunting unbelief and gloom ! 
Vanish, and for joy give room, 

Joy of faith, while now I pray ; 

Henceforth sweetly on thy breast 

Love Eternal, will I rest ! 



HYMNS OF MY EOL Y HO UBS. 33 



A PRESEjN^T GOD. 

In. thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there arc 
pleasures for evermore.— Psai.m xvi. 11. 

SMILE, my God, on me ; 
Thy presence let me feel ; 
My soul thy glory longs to see, 
Thyself in me reveal. 

I would not wait for Heaven ; 

Heaven may begin below ; 
To every new-born soul 'tis given 

A present God to know. 

The vision of thy face 

Fresh life and joy inspires ; 
While o'er my spirit flows the grace 

That kindles all her fires. 

Though on my saddened heart, 

The gloom of night should lie, 
3 



34 HTMNS OF MY EOL Y HO UBS. 

Faitli shall not fail nor hope depart, 
If I but feel Thee nigh. 

When earth's fleet years are past, 
And I no more shall roam, 

Give me, my God, to find at last 
With Thee my changeless home. 

Then shall my blessed soul. 
At fountains gushing o'er. 

While circling ages ceaseless roll, 
Drink pleasures evermore. 



HYMNS OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 35 



THE VISION^ OF CHRIST. 

Then face to face.— 1 Cokinthiaks xm. 12. 

CHRIST, I long to know Thee 
As Thou art known above ; 
Long, face to face, to show Thee, 

In faultless praise, my love ; 
But Thou thyself now hidest 

Beyond my feeble sense, 
Though all my steps Thou guides t, 
Thine arm my sure defense. 

Overpowering is the splendor 

About the unveiled throne ; 
Where bright archangels render 

A service all their own ; 
That glory sight confounding, 

Those wonders rich and rare, 
The anthems high resounding, 

This mortal could not bear. 



36 ETMN8 F MY HOL T EO UBS. 

Yet Lord, to see Thee, pining, 

In thought I oft ascend. 
And where thy hosts are shining, 

I, too, before Thee bend ; 
As one in rapture dreaming. 

Celestial bliss I feel. 
And in that moment's seeming. 

Glow with a seraph's zeal. 

"When from this dream awaking, 

A weary pilgrim still. 
Sloth from my spirit shaking. 

With fixed, unfaltering will, 
My soul in courage stronger. 

Holds on her toilsome way,. 
Content to watch yet longer. 

Till dawns the wished-for day. 



HYMNS OF MY EOL Y HO UR8. 37 



THE COMFORTER. 

I will Bend Him unto you.— John xvi. 7. 







HOLY Comforter, 
I hear 

Thy blessed name with throbbing heart, 
Pressed oft with sorrow, sin, and fear, 
And pierced with many a vcnomed dart ; 
Come, Messenger divine. 
Come, cheer this heart of mine I 

Holy Comforter, 
I know 
Thou art not to dull sense revealed. 
Thou com'st unseen as the sweet flow 
Of the soft wind that woos the field ; 
Breathe, Messenger divine, 
Breathe on this soul of mine 



38 HYMNS OF MY EOL Y EO UBS. 

Holy Comforter, 
Thy light 
Is light eternal and serene ; 
Shine Thou, and on my ravished sight 
Visions shall break of things uDseen ; 
Come Messenger divine. 
Make these bright glimpses mine ! 

Holy Comforter, 
Thy love 
O'erfloweth as the flooding sea ; 
Give me its tenderness to prove, 
Then shall my heart overflow to Thee ; 
Come, Messenger divine, 
Fill Thou this breast of mine ! 

Holy Comforter, 
Thy grace 
Is life and health and hope and power ; 
By tliis I can each cross embrace. 
Can triumph in the darkest hour ; 
Come, Messenger divine, 
The strength of grace be mine I 



HYMNS OF MY HOL Y EO UHS. 39 

Holy Comforter, 
Thy peace, 
The peace of God, impart and keep 
Unruffled till life's tumults cease, 
And all its angry tempests sleep ; 

Come, Messenger divine. 

Thy perfect peace be mine I 



40 HTMN8 OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 



THE PLACE OF PRAYER. 

Enter into thy closet.— Matthew vi. 6. 







EVER sacred spot, 
Where clamor cometh not, 
Where earth may be forgot, 
And peaceful stillness undisturbed may reign ; 
I joy that I may know 
Such holy calm below, 
Nor feel life's restless flow, 
When thy sweet solitude well pleased I gain. 

While lowly here I kneel. 

My God, thy love reveal, 

And give thy child to feel 
A Father's blessing falling on his head j 

I see thy smile benign, 

I hear Thee call me Thine, 

For Thee I all resign, 
And evermore would by thy will be led. 



BYMN8 OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 4 1 

Hither, Christ, I flee, 

That I by faith may see 

Thy face unveiled to me, 
And all the secrets of my heart may tell ; 

May lean upon thy breast, 

Lull all my fears to rest, 

And, — -joy of joys the best, — 
Hear thy loved voice known to my soul so well. 

Tell Thou my longing heart, 
Dear Lord, that mine Thou art ; 
Then all afresh shall start 

The tears of grateful tenderness and love ; 
Give me that precious stone 
That bears a name unknown. 
The pledge that Thou wilt own 

And make me to behold thy face above. 



Oft as I enter here. 
Great Comforter, be near 
My wrestling soul to cheer, 
Let thy best gifts and graces all be rriin? : 



42 HYMNS OF MT HOL Y HO UBS. 

In Thine own perfect light, 
give me visions bright 
Of things beyond my sight ; 
Fill my whole being with the life divine 



HYMN 8 OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 43 



AT THE CROSS. 

I am crucified with Christ. — GAi. n. 20. 

JESUS, sweet the tears I shed, 
While at thy cross I kneel, 
Gaze on thy wounded, fainting head, 
And all thy sorrows feel. 

My heart dissolves to see Thee bleed, 
This heart so hard before ; 

I hear Thee for the guilty plead, 
And grief overflows the more. 

^Twas for the sinful thou didst die. 

And I a sinner stand ; 
What love speaks from thy dying eye. 

And from each pierced hand ! 

I know this cleansing blood of thine. 
Was shed, dear Lord, for me j 



44 ETMN8 F MY IIOL Y HO UBS. 

For me, for all — grace divine ! — 
Who look by faith on Thee. 

Christ of God ! spotless Lamb ! 

By love my soul is drawn ; 
Henceforth forever thine I am, 

Here life and peace are born. 

In patient hope the cross I'll bear, 
Thine arm shall be my stay • 

And Thou, enthroned, my soul shalt spare, 
On thy great judgment-day. 



HTMN8 OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 45 



THE VOICE OF CHRIST. 

Peace— 1)6 still.— Mabk rv. 39, 

AMID the darkness, when the storm, 
Swept fierce and wild o'er Galilee, 
Was seen of old, dear Lord, thy form, 

All calmly walking on the sea ; 
And raging elements were still, 
Obedient to thy sovereign will. 

So on life's restless, heaving wave, 

When night and storm my sky o'ercast, 

Oft hast Thou come to cheer and save, 
Hast changed my fear to joy at last j 

Thy voice hath bid the tumult cease, 

And soothed my throbbing heart to peace. 

But ah ! too soon my fears return, 
And dark mistrust disturbs anew ; 



46 HYMNS OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 

What smothered fires within yet burn ! 

My days of peace, alas, how few ! 
These heart-throes — shall they ne'er be past ? 
These strifes — shall they forever last ? 

I heed not danger, toil, nor pain, 

Care not how hard the storm may beat, 

If in my heart thy peace may reign. 
And faith and patience keep their seat ; 

If strength divine may nerve my soul, 

And love my every thought control. 

may that voice that quelled the sea. 
And laid the surging waves to rest. 

Speak in my spirit, set me free 

From passions that disturb my breast ; 

Jesus, I yield me to thy will, 

And wait to hear thy " Peace, be still I" 



HTMN8 OF MY HOL 7 EG UBS, 4 7 



submissio:n"'. 

Thy will be done.— Matthew xxvi. 43. 

THY holy will, my God, be mine ; 
I yield my all to Thee ; 
No more shall thought or wish repine 
Whatever my lot shall be. 

• 
Thy wisdom is a mighty deep. 

Beyond my thought thy grace, 

My soul shall lay her fears asleep, 

Secure in thine embrace. 

When clouds and darkness rule the hour, 

Thy bow on high I see ; 
And e'en the rending tempest's power, 

Shall work but good for me. 

At every step mine eyes shall turn 
To watch thy guiding ha,nd ; 



48 HYMNS OF MY HOL Y RO URS. 

My dearest wish shall be to learn 
And do thy pure command. 

On Thee I rest my trusting soul 
Thou wilt not let me fall ; 

Though surging billows o'er me roll, 
I shall be safe through all. 

Grant me, my God, at last to hear. 
Well pleased, the call to die. 

And 'mid the shades, with vision clear, 
To see my Saviour nigh. 

Then when thy glory breaks on me, 

All radiant as the sun ; 
Be this the joy of heaven — to see 

Thy will forever done ! 



HTMN8 OF MY HOL T HO URS. 49 



ALOKE WITH CHRIST. 

I will come to you.— John xiv. 18. 

ALONE with Thee ! Alone with Thee ! 
Friend divine ! 
Thou Friend of friends to me most dear, 
Though all unseen I feel Thee near, 
And with the love that knows no fear, 
I call Thee mine. 

Alone with Thee ! Alone with Thee ! 

Now through my breast 
There steals a breath like breatli of balm, 
That healing brings and holy calm, 
That soothes like chanted song, or psalm, 

And makes me blest. 

Alone with Thee ! Alone with Thee ! 

Thy grace more sweet 
Than music in the twilight still, 
Than airs that groves of spices fill, 



50 HYMN8 OF MY EOL Y HO UBS. 

More fresli than dews on Hermon's hill, 
My soul doth greet. 

Alone with Thee ! Alone with Thee ! 

In thy pure light 
The splendid pomps and shews of time, 
The tempting steeps that pride would climb, 
The peaks where glory rests sublime, 

Pale on my sight. 

Alone with Thee ! Alone with Thee ! 

My softened heart 
Floats on the flood of love divine, 
Feels all its wishes drowned in Thine, 
Content that every good is mine 

Thou canst impart. 

Alone with Thee ! Alone with Thee ! 

I want no more 
To make my earthly bliss complete. 
Than oft my Lord unseen to meet ; 
For sight I wait till tread my feet 

Yon glistering shore. 



ETMN8 OF MY HOLT HOURS. 

Alone with Thee ! Alone with Thee ! 

There not alone, 
But with all saints, the mighty tliroL £", 
My soul unfettered, pure and strong, 
Her high communings shall prolong, 

Before thy throne. 



52 HYMNS OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 



THE consenti:n^g heart. 

Come unto me.— Math. xi. 28. 

TES, kind Saviour, grieving 
O'er the sad past, 
All my vain hopes leaving, 
Come I at last ; 
Thine — thine I am, 
bleeding Lamb ; 
To thy heart receiving, 
Hold Thou me fast. 

On thy word relying. 

Safe let me rest, 
All my tears now drying 
On thy dear breast ; 
Dawnr^ the sweet day, 
Bright o'er my way. 
Foes and fears all flying. 
Here I am blest. 



IirM]!f^S OF MY HOL Y HO URS. 53 

All my footsteps heeding, 

Shield me from ill, 
In green pastures feeding. 
By waters still ; 
Always with Thee, 
Lord, let me be ; 
Thou all kindly leading, 
Thine be my will. 

When — life's last day ending, — 
. Dark death is nigh, 
Jesus, o'er me bending, 
Note my last sigh ; 
In that dread hour, 
Strong in thy power, 
On swift wing ascending, 
Home let me fly ! 



54 HTMN8 OF MY HOL T HO URS. 



THE VICTORY OF FAITH. 

Thanks be unto God that giveth us the victory through our Lord 
JesuB Christ. — 1 Coeinthians xvi. 57. 



¥ 



HY should these eyes be tearful 
For years too swiftly fled ? 
And why these feet be fearful 

The onward path to tread ? 
Why should a chill come o'er me 

At thoughts of death as near ? 
Or when I see before me 

The silent gates appear ? 

Behold my Savior dying ! 

I hear his parting breath ; 
Entombed I see him lying, 

A captive held of death ; 
Yet peacefully he slecpeth, 

No foe disturbs him now, 
And love divine still keepeth 

Its impress on his brow. 



HTMNS OF MY HOL Y HO URS. 55 

But lo I the seal is broken ! 

Rolled back tlie mighty stone ; 
In vain was set the token 

That friend and foe should own ; 
The weeping Mary bending, 

Sees not her Savior there ; 
But sons of light attending, 

A joyful message bear. 

The Lord is risen ! — He liveth 

The first-born from the dead ; 
To Him the Father giveth 
• To be creation's head ; 
O'er all forever reigning, 

Of death He holds the keys, 
And hell — his might constraining — 

Obeys his high decrees. 

Flies now the gloom that shaded 

The vale of death to me ; 
The terrors that invaded 

Are lost, Christ, in Thee I 



56 HYMNS OF MY HOL T SO UBS. 

The grave, no more appalling, 

Invites me to repose ; 
Asleep in Jesus falling, 

To rise as Jesus rose. 

Oh, when to life awaking, 

The night forever gone, 
My soul, this dust forsaking, 

Puts incorruption on ; 
Lord, in thy lustre shining. 

In thine own beauty drest, 
My sun no more declining, 

Thy service be my rest ! 



HTMIirS OF MY EOL Y RO UBS. 57 



NOCTURN * 

Enter into thy closet, and shut thy door.— Matthe-w yi. 6. 

I SIT in my silent ctiamber, 
And my spirit mounts in thought ; 
Dear hour of divine communion, 

That oft a deep joy hath wrought I 
And lo ! as in holy vision, 

The heavens unfold above, 
And there fall bright beams of glory, 
There is breathed the breath of love. 

I see, through the amber portal. 
The angels of God descend ; 

' God's Host' — they are swift of pinion, 
And ever his saints attend ; 



* I have thought it hest to insert this piece here, hecause it is hym- 
nic in its spirit and is in keeping with what has gone before. It is 
however rather a night meditation than a hymn. 



58 HTMN8 OF MY HOL Y HO UM8. 

I hear the celestial chorus, 
Harps touched with divinest skill, 

Tones sweeter than breathing zephyrs, 
That on my hushed soul distil. 

The praise of the Holiest hymning, 

The skies with the song resound ; 
The stars seem to join their voices. 

As they float in the dark profound ; 
And the loving Father of spirits, 

Though ruling all worlds the while. 
To the ' Sous of God ^ doth hearken. 

And sheddeth on them his smile ! 



Ay, Lord, thou bendest yet lower ; 

The voices of earth dost hear ; 
Dost catch each sigh of contrition. 

Dost note each glistening tear ; 
My praise is to thee as incense. 

For prayer thou returnest grace ; 
Not now may these eyes behold thee, 

But I feel thy blest embrace. 



HYMNS OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 59 

Why — why should I envy seraphs, 

That they stand so near the throne, 
If here thou dost deign to meet me, 

If here dost thyself make known ? 
If now in these evening shadows, 

This stillness of dying day, 
My soul may drink of thy fulness 

Till won from her griefs away ? 



My God, thy secret is with me, 

A secret I ne'er can tell ; 
'Tis life, 'tis peace, 'tis a rapture. 

When with me thou com'st to dwell ; 
While the twilight shades grow deeper, 

As spreadeth her wings the night. 
On me there falleth thy splendor, 

And all is serenely bright. 

My finite and feeble spirit 

With thine the Infinite blends. 

Till with Heaven's own bliss o'erflowing, 
Her weary, vain quest she ends ; 



60 HYMNS OF MY HOL Y HO UBS. 

As if on thy bosom lying, 

She findeth her wished-for rest, 

By Eternal Arms enfolded : 

Have ye more than this, ye blest? 



Ah yes, ye spirits immortal. 

Ye are not to sense confined ; 
No law in your faultless being, 

When ye long to soar, doth bind ; 
And I too, at length ascending, 

From sense forever set free. 
Shall God- ward cleave the bright azure, 

As glad and as pure as ye ! 

My feet shall tread the fair city 

Adorned as a beautiful bride ; 
Shall come to the living fountains. 

And walk by the crystal tide ; 
To the loved again united, 

Once lost amidst tears and pain, 
I shall know the full affection 

For which 1 have yearned in vain. 



HTMN8 OF MY HOL T HO UMS. Ql 

I shall then, with unclimmed vision, 

See what had been hid before ; 
From wonder onward to wonder, 

Forever mount up and adore ; 
If on earth thy works have charmed me, 

What raptures shall fill me there, 
When I gaze on spotless beauty. 

Than all I had dreamed more fair I 

Oh, then on the throne whose brightness 

Outshineth yon blazing sun, 
The Head of the whole creation, 

I shall see the Crucified One ! 
Where night spreads no more her shadow, 

I, amidst the ineffable glow. 
Shall live on his smile forever. 

And ALL THAT He IS SHALL KNOW I 



^Hitional jpincs. 



I 



THE SEA-SIDE. 

SIT beside thee, murmuring sea. 

And watch thy ever changeful motion ; 
Note where soft clouds float over thee, 

And where commingle sky and ocean ; 
White sails are scattered here and there, 

Of swift ships o'er thy bosom gliding, 
That in the hazy, shimmering air. 

Move dream-like on the wave dividing. 



I mark where on yon pebbly shore, 
Along the crescent bay far-sweeping, 

White waves are breaking evermore. 

E'en when the winds are calmly sleeping ; 

(63) 



e4 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

I gaze when storms are on the deep, 
Like unchained demons wildly roaming, 

When billows huge their tumult keep. 
In frantic fury madly foaming. 



Thy deep a,nd still abysses, where 

Dwell life and beauty all-abounding, 
Where pearls are born and mosses rare. 

And sea-flowers bloom, the rock surrounding ; 
The countless mysteries concealed, 

Down where thy lowest vales lie hidden, 
Seem oft as if to sight revealed. 

While thought treads paths to sight forbidden. 

Yet, mighty sea ! 'tis not the glow 

Of thy broad face when calm and smiling ; 
'Tis not thy wrath when heavenward go 

Thy surges into mountains piling ; 
'Tis not the secrets of thy breast. 

Thy countless marvels all unspoken. 
That make me with thee ever blest. 

Held long as by a spell unbroken ! 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 65 

'Tis that thou stirrest in my soul 

Thoughts all too deep and vast for telling ; 
Thoughts free as thine own waves that roll 

On and yet on with ceaseless swelling ; 
'Tis that emotions, memories, loves, 

And buried joys, thou dost awaken ; 
Flown hopes dost call, like nestling doves. 

Back to the heart too soon forsaken. 



'Tis that far o'er thy wide expanse 

I know that sunny lands are lying. 
And at thy side, full oft, perchance, 

To those fair climes my thought is flying ; 
I scent the orange groves afar, 

I see the tufted palm-tree spreading, 
I rove where orient gardens are. 

In endless bloom their perfumes shedding. 

'Tis that in years far, far away, 

When youthful pulses high were beating, 
I joyed by thee at eve to stray. 

True hearts in high communion meeting ; 



ee ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

And now thou givest back once more 
The faces whose bright smiles have perished 

I see them, greet them, as of yore. 

Though lost, in faithful memory cherished. 



'Tis that when on thy strand I feel 

A reverent tenderness come o'er me ; 
Am moved by thy gray rocks to kneel, 

With all thy grandeur spread before me, 
And breathe my worship in His ear 

Who in his greatness thought out-reaching, 
Is ever to the lowly near. 

The glory of his goodness teaching. 

'Tis that by thee I feel the Jove 

That, like thy floods, no measure knowing, 
From the eternal fount above 

To mortal man is ever flowing ; 
And hear His footsteps who of old 

Sublimely trod the troubled billow. 
Who with a word the storm controlled, 

Bisiag majestic from his pillow. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 67 

'Tis that, at sight of thee, inspired 

With conscious power, my soul ascending, 
Shoots high her flight with wing untired, 

Her heavenward yearning impulse lending, . 
Till fairer visions greet her sight 

Than charm where tropic suns are gleaming ; 
Realms bathed in uncreated light 

From God's high throne forever streaming. 

Long as my mortal years shall roll, 

Grand Sea ! thy sights and sounds shall cheer 
me. 
Bring calm sweet musings to my soul. 

And God and kindred spirits near me ; 
Then, when these eyes behold no more 

Thy noble face, its charm still keeping, 
let thy long loved solemn roar 

Be as a requiem o'er me sleeping 1 



68 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 



BURIAL HILL.* 

ON Plymouth's Burial Hill we trod, 
And high each heart was beating ; 
It seemed indeed " the field of God," 
Each stone his praise repeating. 

'Twas not mid chill December's blast 
O'er sea and land wild sweeping ; 

June's longest day — too soon 'twas past — 
Its carnival was keeping. 

Soft skies were o'er us as we stood, 
With summer zephyrs breathing ; 

We saw God's smile on field and wood, 
And flowers the earth en wreathing. 

* The most interesting moment in the session of the late National 
Council of the Congregational Churches was that when, standing on 
Burial Hill at Plymouth over the graves of the Pilgrim Fathers, it? 
members solemnly reaifirmed, with prayer and singing, their fidelity 
to the system of Christian Faith from which those noble men drew 
their highest inspiration. 



ADDITIONAL PIEGE8. 69 

Beneath our feet the Pilgrims slept, 

The brave, the true, all lowly, 
Their humble graves by angels kept ; 

The ground to us was holy. 

Ah ! then all tenderly we thought, 
We thought with pride and wonder, 

How — Freedom's price divinely taught^ — 
They stood unflinching yonder ; 

Though wintry chillness reigned around, 
And wintry winds were howling, 

Though only savage man was found, 
And savage beasts were prowling. 

Anew we felt their hopes and fears. 
When want and sickness wasted ; 

As through the lingering, weary years, 
Of sorrow's cup they tasted. 

Grand souls ! that with heroic will 

The waves of trouble breasted ; 
Not e'en did woman falter, till 

Beneath that turf they rested ! 



70 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

For God, for truth, for man, they bore 
Loss, exile, grief, and danger, 

As Christ, the Lord they loved, of yore 
Accepted earth's low manger. 

And there above their sacred dust 
Whose names shall never perish, 

We vowed their faith, a holy trust 
For all mankind, to cherish. 

God, who heard'st our prayer and song 
'Neath heaven's high dome ascending, 

Bid us in thine own might be strong. 
For that pure Faith contending. 

From regions wide where Plenty fills 

Her lap to overflowing ; 
From rugged realms where rocks and hills 

With gold and gems are glowing ; 

From nortkern lakes that cool and bright 
Their sparkling waves are spreading. 

To where fresh orange groves delight, 
Perpetual fragrance shedding ; 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 71 

From all the wide, wide land, tlie cry 
For God's good Word is speeding ; 

And Freedom lifts lier hands on high, 
No more enchained and bleeding ! 

wake, ye sons of Pilgrim sires ! 

Go, live in power and beauty 
The life sublime their Faith inspires ; 

Its watchword — God and duty ! 



72 ABLITIONAL PIECES. 



MOUNT WASHINGTON 

HERE let me gaze in silence. Awed, en- 
tranced, 
And stilled as if to worship reverently ; 
Moved to all thoughts most noble, pure, and 

calm, 
To the strange heart-thrills which the vast 

awakes, 
I seem overmastered by a mighty spell : 
Exalted, yet subdued, my heart I yield, 
In this rude solitude, to eye and ear. 
Beauty and grandeur and a sense of God, 
Commingled all, enchant my willing soul, 
Stir it to longings vague and infinite, 
Fill its profoundest depths and hold it charmed, 
In tranquil wonder and sublime delight. 

Ye massive domes, ye towering cliffs and crags, 
Ye purple summits that lift up your brows 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 73 

Bathed in pure azure, or enwreathed with clouds, 
Far, far ye rise above our mortal paths — 
Paths resonant with groans and wet with 

tears ; 
And, in soft sunshine glowing, now ye smile. 
As if exulting in a living joy ; 
As if in ever-peaceful, grand repose. 
Ye feel not the rude shocks that shake the world. 
Heedless though battles rage and kingdoms fall. 
Yet know I well that ye not ever thus 
Serenely stand ; that oft around your heads 
Fierce tempests rave and cleaving lightnings 

gleam. 
And thunders peal that from each rifted gorge 
To gloomy skies are echoed awful back. 
Changeless ye seem, as if in giant might. 
Defying elements and hoary time, 
^Twere yours the flow of ages to abide. 
While man and his proud works are turned to 

dust. 
And yet I mark that ye bear countless scars ; 
That down your rugged steeps torrents have 

swept 



74 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Gashing your sides, and avalanches plunged, 
Baring your rocky breasts to sun and storm. 
Exult not proudly o'er frail, mortal man. 
That naught for him endures ; ye too at last. 
By earth's fixed, unrelenting law, shall waste. 
Yet shall your term be long. Man oft shall 

mourn 
His perished hopes and joys ; shall weep full oft 
His heart's best treasures ravished all too soon : 
Shall see his laurels fade, his honors die. 
His empires pass, his palaces decay. 
His canvas mould, his marbles crumble down, 
His noblest w"ords of eloquence and song 
Lost in forgetfulness, and known no more ; 
While yet unchanged your majesty remains. 
Oh ! ye are worthy, venerable forms, 
That on the long-gone centuries have looked, 
And wait to look on ages yet to come. 
Of the deep reverence that my spirit feels. 
Helpful ye are to lift my heart to Him 
Whose hand of old your strong foundations laid, 
And piled, with power almighty, your huge 

towers. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 75 

Therefore I love to climb your rocky steeps, 

To note each outline, drink the spirit in 

That breathes through all your glens and forests 

wild ; 
To feel the influence of your changeful moods. 
And gain from each some joy or impulse new. 
I love, as now, to watch with you alone, 
When morning greets you early with her smile ; 
When evening bids you late a kind good-night ! 
When ye are holding converse with the stars, 
At midnight clustering thick around your heads. 
Like jewels in some august monarch's crown. 
I love among the pines, far down your slopes. 
When winds breathe softly in the cool, still eve, 
To linger for the latest notes of birds — 
Notes sweetly tender as befits the hour ; 
While rills and distant waterfalls respond. 
And with their chimes the diapason fill. 
Ah ! then I seem with God, and almost hear 
Voices Celestial speaking words of love. 
And lingering still, well pleased, I dare to dream 
That the soft cadences that swell and die 
In your thick shades, arc harmonies divine 



76 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Wafted to earth from holy choirs of heaven ; 
Or greetings kind of saintly souls from whom 
Long since I parted at the gate of death ; 
Who, loving and well loved, were wont to speak 
Words that were ever music to my ears. 

Long it were joy to stay. But now again, 
To duty's call attentive, I return. 
As if from holy ground, to meet the shock 
Of life's rude jars, and wrestle with its ills. 
But from your base, mountains ! 1 shall go 
Stronger, with loftier purposes inspired. 
With fresher thoughts and calmer life within, 
And firmer rest in God. His changeless pledge 
Of love, and love's best gifts to faithful souls, 
Shall stand when even ye, crumbled by time, 
And lost by slow decay, shall be no more. 
And earth itself hath vanished as a dream. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 77 



MISANTHROPY. 

WORLD, to some so briglit and fair, 
Thy charms I cannot see ; 
Thy joys — thy purest, choicest — are 
But hollow joys to me. 

When all around look blythe and gay, 

And every heart is glad, 
I turn in weariness away, 

In spirit sore and sad. 

Not e'en the fireside's kindly cheer 
Can smooth my knitted brow ; 

In that which once I prized so dear 
I find no pleasure now. 

Farewell, ye pomps of life ! farewell 

Ye pageants all untrue ! 
Scenes 'mid which others joy to dwell 

I bid ye glad adieu ! 



78 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Where nature blooms in beauty pure 

My footsteps now I bend, 
There, unmolested and secure, 

A life of peace to spend. 

Be mine the hermit's lonely cot, 

Round which the wild flowers wave, 

And there, unheeded and forgot. 
Be mine his lonely grave. 



A 



RESPONSE. 

ND think'st thou, fool, when thou hast fled 

The busy haunts of men, 
That thou shalt find thy passions dead. 
To waken not again ? 



Think'st thou thy soul's deep craving, felt 

Without thy wish or will. 
When thou hast by thy pallet knelt, 

Shall evermore be still ? 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 79 

The warm aiFections in thy breast, 

That keenly thirst for love, 
Think'st thou that these can lie at rest, 

Content no more to rove ? 

The conscious power for noble deeds, 

That wakens high desire, 
Think'st thou, when thou hast told thy beads, 

^Twill stir no inward fire ? 

The sense of duty that commands 

To do with all the might. 
When thou shalt fold thy idle hands, 

Will this forswear the right ? 

The thought of deeds of love that thou 
Shouldst every day have done, 

Will it not haunt when thou shalt bow, 
As nightly sets the sun ? 

The world's great agonising cry. 
From suffering millions wrung, 

Will that for thee in silence die 
When thou hast vespers sung ? 



80 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

The dread of reckoning strict and stern 
For unused gifts and powers, 

Will that not in thy bosom burn, 
Through all thy lonely hours ? 

Ah, fling thy fatal dream aside, 
Stand forth in manhood true ; 

Where life's great battle rages wide 
Be strong to dare and do ! 

In virtue's conflict stern and high, 
Thy soul shall grow divine ; 

In triumphs, joy shall light thine eye, 
And holy peace be thine. 

With splendor then shall close the day 
That ends thy mortal strife ; 

Men by thy grave shall pause and say — 
•' He lived a noble life ! " 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 81 



THE CHORUS OF ALL SAINTS. 

[Suggested while hearing Haydn's Imperial Mass.] 

THE choral song of a mighty throng 
Comes sounding down the ages ; 
'Tis a pealing anthem borne along, 

Like the roar of the sea that rages j 
Like the shout of winds when the storm awakes. 

Or the echoing distant thunder, 
Sublime on the listening ear it breaks, 
And enchains the soul in wonder. ' 

And in that song as it onward rolls, 
There are countless voices blended ; 

Voices of myriads of holy souls 
Since Abel from earth ascended ; 

Of patriarchs old in the world's dim morn, 
Of seers from the centuries hoary, 

Of angels who chimed when the Lord was born — 

" To God in the highest, glory !" 
6 



82 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Of the wise that, led by the mystic star, 

Found the babe in Bethlehem's manger, 
And gifts, from the Orient lands afar, 

Bestowed on the new-born stranger ; 
Of Mary, the blessed of God Most High ; 

Of the Marys that watch were keeping 
At the Cross where He hung for the world to die, 

And stood by the sepulchre weeping. 

The voices of holy Apostles rise. 

The symphony grandly swelling, 
And land to land with the strain replies. 

As they go of Messiah telling ; 
And with them the martyr host conspire, — 

A host as the stars for number, — 
They sing from the rack and from out the fire, 

From the dust in which they slumber. 



From the saints obscure, that in every age 
Have fought the good fight unheeded, 

Whose names ne'er graced the historic page, 
Who thought not of fame, nor needed. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 83 

Gome tones that tell of a tender love, 

Of a spirit calm and lioly ; 
Oh, sweet to the ear of the Lord above 

Is the praise of the meek and lowly ! 



He hath heard, well pleased, when the psalm 
awoke 

Dark caves and the dismal prison ; 
When the stillness of lonely glens it broke, 

Or on damp night-winds has risen ; 
When up from the cot of the poor it came, 

Or from meanest cabins stealing, 
'Twas an offering dearer than altar's flame, 

The love of true hearts revealing. 

And hark ! from the joyous infant choir, 
Which the Lord to His arms hath taken. 

Notes sweet as breathe from the trembling lyre 
That the softest touch doth waken I 

And from childhood's band who, when life's 
fresh glow 
On their early bloom was lying, 



84 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Felt the shaft of death to their young hearts go, 
And His love enfold them dying ! 

So onward, long as the queenly moon 

Shall float through the azure nightly, 
Or the sun ascend to his throne at noon, 

Or the evening star burn brightly, 
Shall the choral hymn of the saints resound 

That chants of the Cross the story ; 
It shall rise and blend with the trumpet's sound 

When the Lord shall come in glory ! 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 85 



THANKSGIVING. 

ATOYEMBER ! draped in sullen gray, 
-Li And veiled with withered leaves, 
One ever-welcome, smiling day, 
Thy leaden gloom relieves. 

Day of bright hours, that all too fast 

With noiseless feet go by, 
Oh, give me back the buried past 

Ere thou thyself shalt die ! 

Let me tread o'er the misty track 
Of long, long vanished years ; 

Let childhood's dreamy days come back 
With all their smiles and tears. 

On memory's canvas, fair and bright, 
The dear old home is drawn, 



86 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

And o'er it falls tlie golden light, 
As of a cloudless morn. 



I see the trees that hemmed it round, 

On which, each year anew, 
The robin built her nest and found 

A greeting warm and true. 

I see the crib with ripened corn 

And yellow grain o'erflow. 
The well-filled barn, the close-grazed lawn, 

The orchard's tempting glow. 

I pass again the threshold where, 

A bounding child, I played j 
When parents, brothers, sisters, there 

For me an Eden made. 

I see again my father's smile j 

I hear my mother's song ; 
Sweet dream ! so sweet, that still awhile 

I would the bliss prolong. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 87 

But onward hastes my restless tliouglit, 

As onward trod my feet, 
When, home and childhood left, I sought 

The strifes for manhood meet. 

E'er since a man, with busy men, 

I've trod life's flinty path. 
With crimsoned footsteps now, and then. 

Amid the tempest's wrath ; 

Thou, loving God, my feet hast kept, 

That else afar had strayed ; 
Hast dried the tear when sorrow wept, 

And lit the gloomy shade ! 

Thy hand, o'er all the desert waste. 

My cup hath daily filled ; 
The Bread of Heaven hath made me taste. 

And every wish hath stilled. 

Though childhood's lights and joys can greet 
No more my fond return, 



88 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Homeward, each year, shall turn my feet, 
Long as life's flame shall burn. 

Round the old hearth-stone met again, 
The old deep love shall glow, 

And youthful mirth shall wake again, 
And hearts together flow. 

Oh, ever-welcome, ever dear, 

Thou ancient festal day. 
When Home calls back to social cheer 

Its wanderers long away. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 89 







THE SCEPTIC. 

H, pity the poor doubter darkly driven, 

He knows not whither, o'er life's troubled 

main ; 

On sun and stars, to light the wand'rer given, 

His eyes, now half bedimmed, are turned in 
vain. 

No needle points for him the dubious way ; 

No friendly chart guides o'er the trackless 
deep ; 
No lighthouse greets him with its gladsome ray ; 

No haven welcomes when wild tempests sweep. 

The voice divine within he heedeth not ; 

The book of nature he doth all misread ; 
Celestial Truth denied, her words forgot, 

Illusion cheats him and false lights mislead. 



90 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

In fond conceit he dreams ere long to find, 
By his own wisdom led, a region fair, 

"Where placid streams adown sweet valleys wind^ 
And days serenely glide without a care. 

Ah, no ! though many a blooming realm there be, 
Where beauty smiles beneath a cloudless sun. 

Yet such fair shore his eye shall never see. 
Misfortune's victim ere his course be run. 

His fated bark, long tossed the ocean o'er, 
At last shall founder helpless and alone ; 

Or stranded on some ru'gged, surf- beat shore. 
O'er him, in woful dirge, the waves shall moan. 

Thou that hast faith, on God's good Word hold 
fast; 

Thy chart and compass both His truth shall be, 
Till, reached thy port and all thy perils past, 

In peace thou floatest on the crystal sea. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 91 



SONG — THE WIFE. 

WHEN tlirougli dark wilds and doubtful 
mazes, 
O'er thorny paths perplexed I rove, 
And many a luring meteor blazes, 
^ And patience many an hour hath strove ; 
When worn with care, my spirit sinking. 

No more elastic, strong and free. 
Despondency's sad draught is drinking. 
And hopes like fading shadows flee ; 
Oppressed, half weary of my life. 
Thou art my solace, faithful wife ! 

Like some lone spot of verdure springing. 
The desert's dreary waste to cheer, 

Which, chance the weary wanderer bringing. 
Yields soft repose by fountains clear ; 

E'en thus, on earth's wide desert smiling, 
Appears my home, one fairer spot, 



92 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Where joy springs fresli each care beguiling, 

And noise and discord enter not ; 
Of home, bright resting-place of life, 
Thou art the soul, my noble wife ! 



When, duty's urgent call obeying, 

I wander from that home and thee, 
My truant thought is ever straying 

Backward thy gentle face to see ; 
And when again my footsteps turning 

Bear me thy warm embrace to meet. 
That thought with fond impatience burning 

Sweeps onward than the wind more fleet. 
And stays not till, life of my life, 
It rests with thee, my charming wife ! 

When comes at length the hour of meeting, 
I give and take the fervent kiss ; 

Oh, with the thrill of such a greeting, 
Can earth compare another bliss ? 

The joy of that eternal union 

That ransomed spirits round God's throne 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 93 

Unites in heaven's own blest communion, 

Excels it, but excels alone ; 
That be it mine, to endless life, 
With thee to share, my angel wife I 



94 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 



MIDSUMMER l^IGHT. 

O'ER the dim, empurpled mountains y 
Fades the ruby light away ; 
Shadows sleep where late the fountains 
Sparkled 'neath the glance of day. 

Tranquil streams that, smoothly gliding, 
Mirrored tree and cliff and cloud, 

All their placid beauty hiding, 

Gathering night-shades now enshroud. 

Flowers that in the jocund morning 
Drank with blushing lips the dew. 

Folded wait another dawning, 
And their wasted sweets renew. 

Hurrying life's last murmur dying, 
Stillness broods o'er vale and hill, 

Startled only by the crying 
Of the wakeful whip-poor-will. 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 95 

Spirit of the peaceful hour, 

Now while nature sinks to rest, 
Let thy sweet, subduing power, 

Still each passion in my breast ! 

Give calm thoughts of tasted sorrows, 

Tender memories wake again. 
Bring me dreams of bright to-morrows, 

Hopes that shall not all be vain. 

While with darkness vigils keeping, 

Here I linger silent, lone. 
Come there, like the soft wind sweeping. 

Breathings from the realm unknown. 

As yon watching stars above me 
Greet me, though afar they roll, 

May not those in heaven that love me, 
Speak in whispers to my soul ? 

As if some new sense possessing. 
May I not those whispers hear ? 

Catch from airy lips a blessing. 
Know that holy ones are near ? 



gg ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Nighf s deep shade the world concealing, 
Makes the soul's quick glance more keen ; 

In serener light revealing 
To her eye the things unseen. 

Sights of unthought glory hidden, 
Sounds unheard by mortal ear, 

Are not to her sense forbidden 
When she wakes to see and hear. 

Beauty greets her, ever vernal, 

Melodies for earth too sweet. 
Glows for her the Throne Eternal, 

Of Incarnate Love the seat ! 

On my spirit heavenward turning, 

Falls celestial grace like dew, 
Waking all afresh her yearning 

Angels, to ascend to you ! 

Oh, while hushed is each commotion. 
While, my soul, thy thought is free, 

Fervent breathe thy pure devotion, 
God and heaven are nigh to thee ! 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 97 



THE ANGEL CHILD. 

rpHE seal of heaven was early set, 
JL Sweet child ! upon thy sunny brow ; 
Though lost to earth thou livest yet, 
All bright and glad I see thee now ! - 

Those glowing eyes, that gentle smile, 
Spoke thee for earth a thing too fair ; 

A cherub lent from heaven a while, 
A cherub's grace 'twas thine to wear. 

Oft fondly beat a father's heart, 
To see thy budding life unfold ; 

And oft a mother's tear did start, 
Born of deep yearnings all untold. 

Hope dreamed that many a smiling year 
Should many a ripening charm display ; 

But, oh ! a voice we could not hear. 
Won thee in childhood's dawn away. 

7 



98 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Yet, but in seeming didst thou die ; 

A joyous spirit, swift of wing, 
'Twas thine to cleave yon azure sky, 

And, like the lark, to soar and sing. 

Unquenched is that immortal fire ! 

Dear child, thou didst not live in vain ; 
And heaven shall grant our warm desire, 

To fold thee to our hearts again ! 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 99 



SONG. 

GENTLY I glide, love, 
Glide o'er the deep ; 
Hushed are the wild winds. 
The proud billows sleep ; 
Soft gleams the summer moon 

On the still sea ; 
Yet roams my thought, love, 
It wanders to thee. 

All, all is beauty. 

Around and above ] 
With me are kind hearts. 

And eyes beaming love ; 
Fair lips breathe music 

That charms the rapt ear. 
But stirs not the soul, love, 

'Tis not thee I hear ! 



100 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Where'er thou art, love, 

Peace fill thy breast ! 
Pure spirits guard thee, 

Awake or at rest ; 
When the morn breaketh, 

With breeze fresh and free, 
Oh, may it bear, love, 

This fond heart to thee 1 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. .101 



THE GOLDEI^ WEDDING. 

^'piS fifty years ! 'tis fifty years ! how swiftly 

JL they have fled ! 
Since I thee, my best and dearest, to the bridal 

altar led ! 
In youthful grace and beauty thou wast blushing 

fresh and fair, 
'Twas with pride and exultation that I stood 

beside thee there. 

The hopes that then .we cherished were the 

kindling hopes of youth ; 
The vows which then we plighted were the vows 

of love and truth ; 
And light before us glanced as we thought of 

coming days, 
As when the summer sunbeam o'er the trembling 

water plays. 



102 ADDITIONAL PIECES. 

Of changeless bliss we dreamed not, for all too 

well we knew, 
That athwart life's devious path many an unseen 

arrow flew ; 
But we trusted that when wounded, when the 

bitter tear should start. 
Sweet sympathy would heal, and cheat of half 

its woe the heart. 



And we thought that should kind Heaven deign 

to smile upon our lot. 
Grant a home and tranquil days in some dear 

secluded spot, 
The flowers would seem more lovely and the 

stars shed purer light, 
As we gazed on them together with reciprocal 

delight. 

Now that fifty years are passed, and we cast a 

look behind, 
What speaks the quick emotion that is rushing 

o'er each mind ? 



ADDITIONAL PIECES. 103 

Saith it of disappointment — of each vision empty, 
found ? 

Of hopes bright star declining and thick dark- 
ness gathered round ? 

No, no, our thanks we offer to the gracious 

Hand that guides, 
'Tis a placid stream that bears us, and peacefully 

it glides ; 
May coming years thus greet us, till life's latest 

sands are run. 
And life's close be like the twilight when has 

set a cloudless sun. 






r,,!-.'.^"'^''^ OF CONGRESS 

mmmi 

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